3 Ways E-mail on Your Mobile Could Lead to Identity Theft

Using e-mail on our smartphones and other mobile devices is almost second nature at this point. Without a moment’s hesitation, we relay important information out into the ether. But are we always conscious of what it is we’re sharing and the kinds of risks we’re exposed to when we fail to secure confidential information? Here are three types of communications to be wary of when you’re using e-mail on mobile.

Sharing Medical Information

Do you correspond with your physician through e-mail? A lot of people do. However, not every doctor is savvy when it comes to what kind of information should be shared through email. Your healthcare practitioner’s bedside manner may be great, but if their email etiquette leaves you exposed to the threat of medical ID theft, make sure you draw a clear line! Medical records are confidential for a reason. Don’t share any specific information about your health insurance to avoid being scammed if your e-mail is intercepted. Likewise, make sure your doctor doesn’t share important identifying numbers that could appear on attached receipts or similar documents.

Sharing Financial Information

Many banking institutions offer online banking. While no system is completely safe, the applications that banks use usually have a strong set of safety protocols to make sure your information is safe. They same can’t be said about your email inbox. You should never share your checking account number, wiring number or pin through e-mail. If you have family member or close friend who needs the information, it’s better to share it in person or through a private phone made out of listening-range of passersby. If you scan checks or invoices and attach them, make sure important numbers are blotted out.

Sharing Private Numbers

Certain applications require important identifying numbers. If you’re looking for a new residence or filling out a form to apply for a new job, a prospective landlord or future employee may ask you for your social security number, a copy of your driver’s licence or even a facsimile of a passport. Be very vigilant about the numbers that you include in the body of an e-mail, as well as the ones that may appear on documents that you attach and send out into cyberspace! A complete form with all of your identifying information could be a gold mine for identity thieves.

Remember that everything you send through e-mail usually remains in your outbox, unless you delete it permanently. That means important files with identifying information may be sitting there ready to be used by anyone who gets into your e-mail. If you need a quick reference of important numbers, don’t rely on e-mail to do the job. You can always save confidential information on RecordVault.